Boris smashes 20,000 target for apprentices

Boris Johnson's bid to create 20,000 more apprentices in the capital has exceeded its target three months ahead of schedule.

Working in conjunction with the National Apprenticeship Service, the campaign has helped 28,120 people to find places on schemes in the business sector.

The Mayor and his "Apprentice-ship Ambassador" Tim Campbell, the first winner of the BBC series The Apprentice, launched the 10-month campaign in November. Simon Waugh, executive chairman of the NAS, said: "The number of apprentices taking an Advanced or Higher Apprenticeship has almost doubled since last year."